Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments

Over the last two decades, America's position in the world has declined and the world economy has suffered an extended period of stagnation resulting in a severe sociopolitical crisis. This volume brings together thirteen experts in world-systems analysis to examine the long-term effects of this crisis in world order. Using historical and quantitative analysis, the contributors both theoretically and empirically discuss possible transformations of U.S. society and the world-system, focusing on North-South trade, East-West conflicts, and the relations of the United States with Europe, Japan, and Central America. The effects of this economic crisis on American social life are explored in depth, with emphasis on the organization of business firms, the status of women, and the state of American culture.

Review

Several sociologists and two political scientists present their mega-analysis of America and the `world-system,' and make liberal use of terms like hegemonic decline, world crisis, and world myths. Immanuel Wallerstein is optimistic that the decline of the US economy will lead to progressive social changes. Walter Goldfrank predicts that we are headed for socialism or barbarianism; he prefers socialism. Andre Frank chronicles the predictive failures of economic theories; curiously, his solution is to call for the economic decline is being accompanied by the decline of American art. Francisco Ramirez argues that gender distinctions tend to fade during prosperity. Kathryn Ward discovers that the decline of US hegemony is causing the impoverishment of US women, but is hopeful, for ` ... the global economy seems to provide the potential for bringing women together in one splendid international division of labor.' Readers who enjoy very long run, global predicitions professed with conviction will feast on this volume.Choice

Review

. . .a powerful and impressive ensemble.World Development

About the Author

TERRY BOSWELL is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and an Instructor in the Business School at Emory University.ALBERT BERGESEN is Professor of Sociology at the Univeristy of Arizona.